Balance and fall prevention training is just one of the many ways the Ability Rehabilitation Specialists stand out from other San Diego County physical therapy services. “We want to help people learn how to prevent a fall because falls can contribute to so many consequences,” said physical therapist/owner Julie Hom, MPT, NCS.

Hom earned her Master’s in Physical Therapy (MPT) from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and her Neurologic Certified Specialist (NCS) certification from the American Physical Therapy Association.

Julie Hom (right) of Ability Rehabilitation Specialists in La Jolla works with a patient. Courtesy Photo

Julie Hom (right) of Ability Rehabilitation Specialists in La Jolla works with a patient. Courtesy Photo

She opened her La Jolla service in 2005, and said she finds her work extremely rewarding. “Some people avoid activities because they have a fear of falling or losing their balance away from home, but we can help them regain their independence and live safer,” Hom said.

With that in mind, Ability Rehabilitation Specialists will offer “A Balancing Act,” a presentation about balance, exercise and fall prevention, 4:30 p.m., Thursday, May 2 at their Pearl Street offices.

Ability Rehab also provides outpatient assistance for people dealing with the effects of strokes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and other neurologic conditions. “We take a personal approach by looking at each individual and how their condition has affected his or her ability to function. Then we figure out what needs to be done to help them do what they were doing before,” Hom said.

Ability Rehab’s three physical therapists are well-qualified to provide traditional therapy services along the whole continuum of needs — from treating people with arthritis to dealing with the aftermath of orthopedic surgeries, like hip or knee replacement, to treating injuries from a car accident.

“Our patients are ages 9 to 91, and we help them get rid of pain and regain their ability to function and get back to the life they hope to be living,” Hom said.

ARS offers free physical therapy screening for anyone interested in speaking with a therapist to learn if physical therapy would be beneficial for their diagnosis.